International Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon 2025, Georgia (USA)

Macon, often referred to as the cherry blossom capital of the United States, boasts an incredible 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees. When these trees burst into bloom in late March, the city hosts the International Cherry Blossom Festival, one of the nation’s largest celebrations of its kind. During this ten-day event, visitors can sample local craft beers, enjoy Southern cuisine, listen to blues, raft on the Ocmulgee River, fly in a hot air balloon, or explore historic Native American mounds. The festival also features concerts, theater performances, animal shows, races, dances, and fair rides.

Location

Most events take place at Carolyn Crayton Park (formerly known as Central City Park). During the cherry blossom season, entertainment includes the Downtown Macon Street Festival, which features hundreds of arts and crafts vendors, and the International Food Fair.

Schedule of Events

Kicking off on March 21, the Opening Ceremony at Carolyn Crayton Park unites local dignitaries and residents to commemorate the 43rd annual festival. The weekend brings an array of lighthearted events, such as the Wiener Dog Race and the hilarious Musical Chairs competition featuring costumed participants on Cherry Street. Visitors can cheer on the whimsical Bed Race, where teams race creatively decorated beds. Sunday afternoon features the iconic Cherry Blossom Parade in downtown Macon, showcasing floats, marching bands, and the community's spirit.

During the week, Third Street Park hosts daily festivities from March 24 to 28, offering free ice cream, Coca-Cola, and live music in a relaxing atmosphere. The festival concludes with the Food Truck Frenzy and Cherry Market on March 29 and 30, where food trucks from across the South serve culinary delights alongside local vendors offering unique crafts. The Cherry Blossom Festival offers free nightly concerts at Carolyn Crayton Park, where visitors can enjoy live performances featuring rock, blues, and country music in a lively atmosphere.

Tickets & Hours

Admission to Carolyn Crayton Park during the International Cherry Blossom Festival is $10 per day, with children 10 and under admitted for free. Ride enthusiasts can enjoy daily armband specials offering unlimited rides: $25 Monday through Friday and $30 on weekends. Individual ride coupons are also available for $1.25 each, though most rides require multiple coupons. Gate admission includes access to all nightly concerts, ensuring a full day of entertainment.

Park hours vary throughout the week, running from noon to 9 pm Monday through Thursday, noon to 10 pm on Fridays, 10 am to 10 pm on Saturdays, and noon to 9 pm on Sundays, including March 17 and March 24.

History of the Festival

Established in 1982, the Cherry Blossom Festival has grown remarkably from its modest beginnings as a three-day event with just 30 activities. Today, it is a month-long celebration featuring hundreds of events catering to diverse audiences and interests. Recognized as one of the Top 20 Events in the South, Top 50 Events in the U.S., and Top 100 Events in North America, the festival continues to captivate attendees with its vibrant blend of tradition, entertainment, and community spirit.